The Welsh Assembly is to be asked to back a fullscale investigation into claims of health risks at a controversial landfill site.

The Assembly's own environment committee today supported the findings of an independent study into the Nantygwyddon tip in the Rhondda, south Wales, endorsing its recommendation of a health study.

The report also calls for an end to household waste disposal at the site.

Local people have campaigned for the closure of the site, complaining of skin and stomach problems, diabetes, respiratory complaints, asthma, tuberculosis and "elevated mortality rates".

The year-long investigation, commissioned by the committee, into the site found there was no satisfactory evidence it was linked to ill-health.

However the study, carried out by David Purchon, did say: "In my long experience (37 years) of investigating the public's complaints about environment and health issues very few people complain to the authorities when there is no reason for their concerns."

He added: "If the feared public health consequences are proven in civil law and legal process continues the financial consequences will be serious. The settlements in health damages cases are now extremely large."

The committee has since been told there is a link between the site and health problems.

Dr Sharon Hopkins, director of public health at the Bro Taf health authority, said it would be "foolish to deny" a link.

She said people's health was undoubtedly affected by their environment.

The committee's report calls for specific health studies involving blood, urine and fat tests. It says the results should be published with independent expert commentary as soon as possible.

It also says attempts should be made to plot low birth weights in the vicinity of Nantygwyddon.

Mr Purchon's report said an "extraordinary" site was chosen for the tip because local councillors did not want it in their wards.